May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month. Debbie Howard provided an introduction to the hearing topic. Bill Schiffmiller highlighted the shift from traditional hearing aids to more inclusive designs, emphasizing the importance of auditory accessibility. Andy Bellavia spoke about Auracast, hearing aid fashion and the impact of Apple's FDA-approved hearing aid software. Brian Maguire introduced Lexi Hearing's self-fitting over-the-counter hearing aids and Eargo's nearly invisible CIC models that scan for issues like ear wax. Alex Westner added some illuminating commentary.

The discussion also covered the role of technology in reducing stigma and improving accessibility, with a focus on early detection and personalized solutions. The panel emphasized the need for better communication tools and the potential of AI in enhancing hearing care.

Recorded on May 22, 2025, this episode is part of our Hearing and Speech Support as well as our CES Highlights Series (13th in 2025). Speakers are listed in their order of appearance.

Bill Schiffmiller, Founder & Chief Development Officer, Akoio;
Board Member Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center; Forbes columnist

Andrew Bellavia, Founder and consultant, AuraFuturity; Contributor and co-host Hearing Health Matters Website, This Week in Hearing Podcast

Brian Maguire, Chief Commercial Officer (Lead Commercial Growth, Revenue Generation and Performance Marketing for LXE Hearing Brands: Eargo, Lexie, HearX

Special guest comment
Alex Westner, co-Founder and CEO, Xander

Resources:
Bellavia: Forbes, Apple’s AirPods, 9-11-24

PC Magazine, Tiny Eargo 8 Hearing Aids Scan for Issues Messing with Sound Quality (Like Earwax) 5-13-25

Akoio Complementary Research and Guides including: How to Talk to Someone Who Has Hearing Loss, Questions You Should Ask Your Audiologist, Managing Your Soundscapes in the Workplace and more.

We spoke about Hearing Self-care on our 5-20-25 News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club podcast with Ray Gordon's AARP article.

BoomerTechTalk.com episode page with additional resources related to this show and our speakers.

LinkedIn Show Post with carousel of photos of our speakers and products

Co-Hosts: Linda Sherman, Debbie Howard and Steve Ewell

Music: Solemnity written and performed by Richard Sherman

We focused on Smart Home for our 12th CES 2025 Highlights show.

Zac Selmon from Brava Home introduced a smart countertop oven that uses coordinated pulses of infrared light for pinpoint fast cooking. Putting a great deal of intelligence in the app in order to make it accessible for low vision and blind users has set the stage for further development.

Melissa Kieling from hyve Security presented a smart delivery pod addressing $20 billion in package theft annually. “At the end of the day, the video doorbell is just going to capture the show of your package being stolen."

Gauve Batta from Glomensio discussed their Firefly smart house number that flashes red and blue when 911 is called, aiding community response during emergencies. Co-founder Drew Timler RN has a background in nursing and emergency services.

These products aim to enhance safety, convenience, and independence for aging individuals.

Recorded on May 15, 2025, this episode is part of our CES Highlights as well as our Smart Home Series. Speakers are listed in their order of appearance.

Zac Selmon, Director of Product Management, Brava Home - Smart Countertop Oven
Brava Home is an AgeTech Collaborative™ from AARP portfolio company

Melissa Kieling, Co-Founder and CEO, hyve Security - hyve smart home solar powered delivery pod

Gaurav (Gauve) Batta, Co-Founder, CEO and Mechanical Engineer,
Glomensio - Firefly home number lighting for emergency services

Debbie Howard's summary of this show.

Press:
Brava Smart Oven Review: A Game-Changer for Blind and Low Vision Cooks 4-19-25 The Blind Life (72K+ subs)

ATC 2-6-25 Brava Home by Mark Ogilbee

Entrepreneur for hyve Security 1-30-25

PC World Glomensio 1-8-25

Other Resources:
Linda mentioned ATC Summit May 7-8 in Washington DC. Her photographic post.

Drew Timler RN, Glomensio co-founder

BoomerTechTalk.com episode page with additional speaker resources.

LinkedIn Show Post with photo carousel of speakers and products at CES 2025

Co-Hosts: Linda Sherman & Debbie Howard

How to join podcast recordings live

Please follow both of our podcasts including News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club.

Music: Solemnity written and performed by Richard Sherman

This episode featured three AgeTech Collaborative from AARP Portfolio Companies. Our theme was Wellness.

Sathya Elumalai from Aidar Health discussed MouthLab, a non-invasive health assessment device measuring 10 parameters in 30 seconds, aimed at long-term care facilities.

Devon Lodge from Wesper presented their clinical-grade at-home sleep testing system, which provides detailed sleep reports and customized treatment plans.

Camilo Barcenas from GOES Health introduced their freemium app, which offers offline medical protocols and weather risk assessments for outdoor activities, emphasizing self-reliance in health.

The speakers highlighted the importance of proactive healthcare.

Recorded on May 1, 2025, this episode is part of our Fitness and Wellness Series. Speakers are listed in their order of appearance.

Sathya Elumalai, Founder and CEO, Aidar Health

Devon Lodge, Head of Growth (Marketing, Sales, Customer Success), Wesper

Camilo Barcenas, Co-Founder and CEO, GOES Health
Camilo’s Portfolio

Debbie Howard’s summary of this show.

Resources:

Aidar Health Press:
Daily News Network On a Mission with Sathya Elumalai 2-12-25

Wesper Press:
Biospace GLP-1 Sleep Apnea Screening 2-12-25
Novel Protocol 9-24-24

GOES Health Press
Denver’s Mile High Magazine Hurt in the Backcountry Now There’s an App for That 9-20-23
New York Times Best Wilderness Apps 7-27-23

GOES Health Mention and Serendipity:
Eric Lewis, MD, Founder, Marine Biology & Environmental Technologies (MBET): "I was the editor and one of the authors of the dermatology section of a book called Wilderness Emergencies."
Rethinking Aging Club Podcast Founder, Linda Sherman is an investor in MBET. Her Miracle of the Sea Mother's Day post on LinkedIn.

BoomerTechTalk.com episode page

LinkedIn Show Post

Co-Hosts: Linda Sherman and Debbie Howard

We continue to record new Rethinking Aging Club podcasts live on Thursdays. How to join live.

Please follow both of our podcasts including News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club.

Music: Solemnity written and performed by Richard Sherman